An Iowa man has been arrested after police say he attacked his own mother inside their home following an argument. Investigators say the violent incident happened after the woman refused to let her son use her speaker. The suspect now faces serious charges, including attempted murder, after allegedly stabbing his mother in the neck during the confrontation.
Iowa Man Arrested After Allegedly Attacking Mother
Nathan Norrell, 21, was taken into custody on February 28 after police in West Des Moines responded to a stabbing at a home in the city.
According to the West Des Moines Police Department, Norrell allegedly attacked his mother with a knife during an argument. The woman suffered injuries but survived the attack.
Authorities said she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries following the incident.
Argument Began Over Speaker Use
Investigators say the incident started after Norrell asked his mother if he could use her speaker in the bathroom of their home.
According to court documents, Norrell had been drinking heavily that night. When he asked to use the speaker, his mother refused.
Police say Norrell then went into the bathroom and waited there with a large fixed-blade knife.
When his mother later entered the bathroom, authorities say he attacked her.
Victim Stabbed in Neck During Attack
Police reports state that Norrell stabbed his mother in the neck during the attack.
She also suffered defensive wounds on her hands, which investigators believe occurred as she tried to protect herself.
Despite her injuries, the woman managed to move into the kitchen to try to treat the wound.
Suspect Flees After 911 Call
According to investigators, Norrell followed his mother into the kitchen while she attempted to deal with her injuries.
However, when the woman called 911, Norrell fled the house.
Police later learned that he used an Uber ride to travel to his grandfather’s home before eventually turning himself in at a local police department.
Mother Told Police She Feared for Her Life
Court documents revealed that the victim believed her son intended to kill her during the attack.
She reportedly told police that she “feared for her life” and believed the stab wound to her neck was intentional.
The woman also told investigators that two weeks earlier she had found her son passed out in a bedroom with a knife beside him, raising concerns about his behavior.
Suspect Claims He Blacked Out
When questioned by police, Norrell reportedly claimed that he could not remember the incident.
He told investigators he blacked out due to alcohol and medication, saying he had no memory of the stabbing.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Previous Legal Issues
Online court records show that Norrell has previously faced several legal issues.
Most of the earlier cases involved traffic-related violations, which have already been resolved.
However, in December 2025, Norrell was also charged with:
- Attempted burglary (felony)
- Disorderly conduct (misdemeanor)
- Interfering with official acts
Those cases are still ongoing.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Norrell is now facing the following charges related to the stabbing:
- Attempted murder
- Going armed with intent
He is currently being held at the Dallas County Jail.
Authorities set his cash bond at $750,000. A judge also issued a no-contact order to prevent him from contacting his mother.
His next court appearance is scheduled for March 10.
